US Launches Airstrike on ISIS Bases in Nigeria, Says Trump

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that, on his orders, the American military conducted a "powerful and deadly" attack on bases of the terrorist organization 'Islamic State of Iraq and Syria' (ISIS) in Nigeria.

This action comes at a time when Trump has repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop atrocities against Christians.

Posting on social media on Christmas night, Trump shared details of the military operation, though he did not provide specifics on the damage caused or the number of terrorists killed.

In his message, Trump clearly stated that ISIS terrorists in northwestern Nigeria were targeted, who have been brutally killing innocent people—especially Christians—for many years.

The US Africa Command also confirmed the operation.

In a statement posted on 'X', it said the strike was carried out in Sokoto Province at the request of Nigerian authorities.

According to the command, several ISIS terrorists were killed in this military operation. The Africa Command stated that this deadly strike against ISIS demonstrates the strength of the US military and its commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans both domestically and abroad.

A Defence Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strike was conducted in mutual cooperation between the US and Nigeria.

Nigeria's Foreign Ministry also responded to this cooperation. In a released statement, the ministry said that under international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared resolve for regional and global security, intelligence sharing and strategic coordination took place in this operation.

The statement also clarified that any form of terrorist violence poses a serious challenge to Nigeria's values and international peace and security, whether it is against Christians, Muslims, or any other community.

Trump has been openly expressing concern over attacks on Christians in Nigeria for the past several weeks.

 Last month, he ordered the Pentagon to prepare plans for potential military action to stop atrocities against Christians in Nigeria.

Additionally, the US State Department recently announced visa restrictions on Nigerians and their families involved in killings and violence against Christians.